You’ve been offered a job! But before you accept, it’s important to do your research and know what you’re getting yourself into. Here are some things to consider before saying yes to a new position.
Make Sure You Understand What Will be Expected of You
Taking the time to really understand what will be expected of you if you accept the job offer is extremely important.
Get clarification from your potential employer if the job description is unclear, and make sure you are aware of all responsibilities before signing on. Ensure that there are processes in place for completing tasks and that all expectations for performance can be followed and achieved. It’s also helpful to take a moment to consider if the job requirements fit your style or professional goals.
Knowing up front as much information as possible about what will be expected of you helps make sure there won’t be any unpleasant surprises after taking the job.
Astonishingly, Australia does not legally require employers to keep a written contract of employment for their staff. Yet this piece of paper is essential in safeguarding both the employer and employee. A comprehensive agreement will confirm job expectations from all sides and ultimately create an understanding that ensures everyone involved follows through with their responsibilities. A fairwork employment contract should list the employee’s details, start date, pay rate, working hours, and job duties. It should also include any additional benefits that have been negotiated such as leave entitlements or bonuses.
Do Your Research on the Company
Before accepting a job offer, it’s important to do your research so you can make an informed decision. Look up reviews of the company online and read Glassdoor ratings or other websites dedicated to offering insights into organizations.
Inquire with current and former employees—use social media or professional contacts, if necessary—to better gauge the employer’s values, their approach to interactions with staff, and any related experiences they’ve had with the latter. Additionally, review their website to see what they emphasize in terms of mission and vision.
Doing this due diligence will help you gain a fuller understanding of the company overall, what the job entails, and whether it is a good fit for you before you sign on the dotted line.
Consider the Salary and Benefits Package
It’s important to take a step back and really evaluate the salary and benefits package prior to accepting a job offer. Make sure the salary is commensurate with the work you’ll be doing and respectable when compared to what others in the same field are receiving for similar positions.
Don’t accept a subpar salary just because it’s your first job offer – do your research and make sure you’re getting fair monetary compensation for your contributions. In addition, explore the available benefits that come with the position, like insurance coverage or 401K matching, since it can make all the difference in ensuring you have financial stability going forward.
Think About the Commute
As a potential job seeker, it’s essential to think beyond salary and start considering the commute as you look at potential job offers. Depending on your lifestyle, family obligations, and overall preferences, the commute may prove more of an issue than you initially expect.
Think about the realities of what it’d mean to face a long journey each way – is it something you can realistically handle in terms of time commitment and personal cost? Consider if public transportation suits your needs best or if having your own vehicle would make life easier. Developing a holistic picture for any job opportunity ensures that you end up in the right place for years to come.
Is the Company Culture a Good Fit for You?
It’s important to research the company culture that a job offer presents, and determine whether it’s a good fit for you. Do their values – like work-life balance, customer service engagement, or fair workplace practices – align with your own beliefs?
Before accepting an offer, think about how closely the company’s stated beliefs are in line with what you consider most important for yourself and your career. Are their core ideals similar to yours? If not, it’s worth reconsidering if the job is really what you want in the long run. That way you can avoid feeling pulled in too many different directions when work tasks conflict with your core values.
Trust Your Gut
When it comes to making one of the most important decisions of your life – accepting a job offer – it’s absolutely essential that you trust your gut. Job offers can often feel very exciting, but if something feels off or you have any doubts lingering in the back of your mind, those little niggles should not be ignored.
Red flags might include an employer who seems overly eager for you to accept without providing you with time to think things over or who won’t provide any solid information about conditions or salary.
Make sure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision before committing so that you know exactly what you will be getting yourself into – after all, nobody likes nasty surprises!
Making the decision to accept a new job can be daunting, especially if you’re making a career change or moving from one industry to another.
But by doing your homework and preparing in advance, you’ll increase your chances of finding the perfect fit. All in all, getting ready for a prospective job opportunity requires careful consideration and research – but by taking these steps beforehand, you can make sure you’re getting an offer that reflects what you want both professionally and personally.
